Brent Butt brings funny business to Guelph

Renowned Canadian comedian returns to his standup roots at River Run Centre October 27

Guelph, On October 13, 2016 – From humble roots in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Brent Butt has risen to iconic status in the Canadian comedy world. Looking back, he believes growing up in the town of 3,000 people influenced his standup style.

“In my hometown, kids start going for coffee at a very early age – just going for coffee and shooting the breeze with your pals and trying to make them laugh,” Butt says. “And around the dinner table with my family – very conversational. The result is a very chatty style.”

Butt will bring his unique brand of comedy to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Thursday, October 27, at 8 p.m. The performance is presented as part of the GuelphToday.com Comedy Series.

When Butt was 12 years old he watched a standup comic on television and immediately announced his intention to become a comedian. He honed his routine in school and at the coffee shop with friends. When he was 20, Butt moved to Saskatoon, pursuing a career in standup when a new club opened in the city. It wasn’t long before he was headlining clubs in Toronto and showcasing events at Montreal’s renowned Just for Laugh’s Festival.

Most know Butt best from his hit television comedy series Corner Gas, which ran from 2004 to 2009 and was shown in 26 countries. He says adapting the skills he developed on stage as a standup comedian to create and star in the show was made easier thanks to a stellar cast of actors.

“Transferring the conversational style of my standup to the dialogue of those characters was a fairly natural transition,” Butt says. “Then finding those incredibly talented actors, who could make those characters come to life and feel real… that was everything. We were blessed when those particular actors came through the audition room doors. We had an incredible team on that show… lightning in a bottle.”

In terms of what material he might cover during his River Run Centre performance, Butt says he never plans that far ahead.

“What I cover is influenced by the audience on the night,” he says. “How they respond, what they respond to, it shapes the direction and material. That’s why I love standup – waiting in the wings, you’re not really sure what these particular folks will be into.”

Tickets to see Brent Butt cost $52 for adults and $50 for seniors and students. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. $5 eyeGO tickets are available to high school students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at River Run Centre box office, 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, by calling 519-763-3000, or online at riverrun.ca/brent-butt. Please note that the language and content in this performance may offend some. It is not suitable for children.